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Coronavirus Live Updates: White House Blocks C.D.C. Guidance Over Economic and Religious Concerns Coronavirus Live Updates: Travel Restrictions Led to Exodus From Hot Spots, but Few Rigorous Screenings
(32 minutes later)
As President Trump rushes to reopen the economy, a battle has erupted between the White House and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over the agency’s detailed guidelines to help schools, restaurants, churches and other establishments safely reopen, Abby Goodnough and Maggie Haberman report. President Trump’s go-to defense of his early response to the coronavirus is his decision to close down travel from China, the virus’s original center, and then from ravaged Europe.
But those hasty decisions led to exoduses of American citizens, packed, chaotic airports, and, according to a new congressional report, very few rigorous screenings for passengers who could have been bringing the virus home with them.
Medical officials on contract from the Department of Homeland Security checked the temperature of just 10 percent of the more than 250,000 travelers who got some screening when they arrived at U.S. airports from travel-restricted countries during a 10-week span from January to March, according to a report released Thursday by the House Oversight and Reform Committee. The finding raised questions about one of the centerpieces of Mr. Trump’s argument that his administration responded aggressively to contain the outbreak.
If customs officers noticed symptoms in travelers returning from restricted countries, they were told to refer them to federal or local medical officials at the airport for more screening.
But officials from the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office, which is part of the Homeland Security agency, told the committee that the informal policy was to check one of every ten passengers because they “don’t want to slow things down,” according to the report.
And they said that just under 1,500 arriving passengers were passed along for an even more rigorous screening by officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention between Jan. 17 and March 29.
It was C.D.C. officials who were primarily tasked with determining whether a traveler displaying symptoms needed to be federally quarantined.
As Mr. Trump rushes to reopen the economy, a battle has erupted between the White House and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over the agency’s detailed guidelines to help schools, restaurants, churches and other establishments safely reopen, Abby Goodnough and Maggie Haberman report.
A copy of the C.D.C. guidance obtained by The New York Times includes sections for child care programs, schools and day camps, churches and other “communities of faith,” employers with vulnerable workers, restaurants and bars, and mass transit administrators. The recommendations include using disposable dishes and utensils at restaurants, closing every other row of seats in buses and subways while restricting transit routes between areas experiencing different infection levels, and separating children at school and camps into groups that should not mix throughout the day.A copy of the C.D.C. guidance obtained by The New York Times includes sections for child care programs, schools and day camps, churches and other “communities of faith,” employers with vulnerable workers, restaurants and bars, and mass transit administrators. The recommendations include using disposable dishes and utensils at restaurants, closing every other row of seats in buses and subways while restricting transit routes between areas experiencing different infection levels, and separating children at school and camps into groups that should not mix throughout the day.
But White House and other administration officials rejected the recommendations over concerns that they were overly prescriptive, infringed on religious rights and risked further damaging an economy that Mr. Trump was banking on to recover quickly.But White House and other administration officials rejected the recommendations over concerns that they were overly prescriptive, infringed on religious rights and risked further damaging an economy that Mr. Trump was banking on to recover quickly.
A spokesman for the C.D.C. said the guidance was still under discussion with the White House, and a revised version could be published soon.A spokesman for the C.D.C. said the guidance was still under discussion with the White House, and a revised version could be published soon.
The rejection of the guidelines is the latest confusing signal as the Trump administration struggles to balance Mr. Trump’s desire to reopen the country quickly against the advice of public health experts, who have counseled reopening methodically via steps tied to reduced rates of infection and expanded efforts to control the spread of the virus.The rejection of the guidelines is the latest confusing signal as the Trump administration struggles to balance Mr. Trump’s desire to reopen the country quickly against the advice of public health experts, who have counseled reopening methodically via steps tied to reduced rates of infection and expanded efforts to control the spread of the virus.
This week, the White House signaled it would wind down its virus task force only to reverse course amid a public outcry. Vice President Mike Pence refused to wear a surgical mask at the Mayo Clinic, then apologized.This week, the White House signaled it would wind down its virus task force only to reverse course amid a public outcry. Vice President Mike Pence refused to wear a surgical mask at the Mayo Clinic, then apologized.
The mixed signals extend to reopening guidelines: On April 16, Mr. Trump’s virus task force released broad guidance for states to reopen in three phases, based on case levels and hospital capacity. But the more detailed C.D.C. guidance was seen by some members of the task force and other aides as a document that could slow the reopening effort, according to several people with knowledge of the deliberations inside the West Wing.The mixed signals extend to reopening guidelines: On April 16, Mr. Trump’s virus task force released broad guidance for states to reopen in three phases, based on case levels and hospital capacity. But the more detailed C.D.C. guidance was seen by some members of the task force and other aides as a document that could slow the reopening effort, according to several people with knowledge of the deliberations inside the West Wing.
More than half of states have begun to reopen their economies or plan to do so soon, but most fail to meet the criteria recommended by the Trump administration. More than half the states have begun to reopen their economies or plan to do so soon, but most fail to meet the criteria recommended by the Trump administration.
In more than half of the states that are easing restrictions, case counts are trending upward, positive test results are on the rise, or both, raising concerns among public health experts.In more than half of the states that are easing restrictions, case counts are trending upward, positive test results are on the rise, or both, raising concerns among public health experts.
On Thursday afternoon, Mr. Trump amplified his eagerness to reopen the nation in a one-minute video message he posted on Twitter. “People want to open our country up. Now, we want to do it in a safe way,” he said, encouraging continued social distancing and hand washing.
The disparities appear most significant in states that have comparatively newer and less-established Hispanic communities. In Oregon, Washington State, Iowa and Utah, for example, Latinos have been getting sick at rates more than double their share of the population, according to official data.The disparities appear most significant in states that have comparatively newer and less-established Hispanic communities. In Oregon, Washington State, Iowa and Utah, for example, Latinos have been getting sick at rates more than double their share of the population, according to official data.
State officials and public health experts say many are vulnerable because of the same factors that have made minority groups at risk across the country, including a heavy representation in low-paying service jobs that require them to work through the pandemic, with frequent contact with the public. Many also lack health care, which also contributes to higher rates of diabetes and other conditions that can worsen infections.State officials and public health experts say many are vulnerable because of the same factors that have made minority groups at risk across the country, including a heavy representation in low-paying service jobs that require them to work through the pandemic, with frequent contact with the public. Many also lack health care, which also contributes to higher rates of diabetes and other conditions that can worsen infections.
Now, officials in some places worry that those disparities could grow as the annual harvest season begins this month and seasonal farmworkers flood into states already seeing large differences in infection rates. In Oregon, officials are scrambling to enact far-ranging changes to work rules and living conditions for migrant workers, fearing that without them the virus could sweep through the 160,000 workers who typically toil in the fields, eat and bunk in proximity.Now, officials in some places worry that those disparities could grow as the annual harvest season begins this month and seasonal farmworkers flood into states already seeing large differences in infection rates. In Oregon, officials are scrambling to enact far-ranging changes to work rules and living conditions for migrant workers, fearing that without them the virus could sweep through the 160,000 workers who typically toil in the fields, eat and bunk in proximity.
In Latino communities with a longer history in the United States — like those in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas — the differences are narrower, at least according to the official data reported by the states. Experts say one reason is that places with more established Latino communities have a wider spectrum of professional and middle-class families with more wealth, who can work from home or take advantage of other options for weathering the pandemic.In Latino communities with a longer history in the United States — like those in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas — the differences are narrower, at least according to the official data reported by the states. Experts say one reason is that places with more established Latino communities have a wider spectrum of professional and middle-class families with more wealth, who can work from home or take advantage of other options for weathering the pandemic.
Another 3.2 million people filed for first-time unemployment benefits last week, in the latest evidence of the economic devastation from the pandemic.Another 3.2 million people filed for first-time unemployment benefits last week, in the latest evidence of the economic devastation from the pandemic.
The U.S. government report released Thursday brings the total tally over seven weeks to more than 33 million. The weekly numbers have declined since reaching a peak of 6.9 million claims in late March. But the data remains shocking: Officials in some states say more than a quarter of the work force is jobless.The U.S. government report released Thursday brings the total tally over seven weeks to more than 33 million. The weekly numbers have declined since reaching a peak of 6.9 million claims in late March. But the data remains shocking: Officials in some states say more than a quarter of the work force is jobless.
Economists expect the monthly jobs report from the Labor Department, due Friday, to show that the unemployment rate in April was 15 percent or higher, a Depression-era level. The figure will almost certainly understate the damage.Economists expect the monthly jobs report from the Labor Department, due Friday, to show that the unemployment rate in April was 15 percent or higher, a Depression-era level. The figure will almost certainly understate the damage.
Experts say it is impossible to calculate just how many jobs might come back as states begin to lift shelter-in-place rules.Experts say it is impossible to calculate just how many jobs might come back as states begin to lift shelter-in-place rules.
Workers in the restaurant, travel, hospitality and retail industries were among the first to lose their jobs when the outbreak forced business shutdowns. But in recent weeks, scores of layoffs were announced for engineers at Uber, advertising account executives at Omnicom, designers at Airbnb and other office employees.Workers in the restaurant, travel, hospitality and retail industries were among the first to lose their jobs when the outbreak forced business shutdowns. But in recent weeks, scores of layoffs were announced for engineers at Uber, advertising account executives at Omnicom, designers at Airbnb and other office employees.
“We’re still seeing a massive wave of layoffs taking over the U.S. economy,” said Gregory Daco, the chief U.S. economist at Oxford Economics. He described the latest job losses as a “secondary wave of the coronavirus recession.”“We’re still seeing a massive wave of layoffs taking over the U.S. economy,” said Gregory Daco, the chief U.S. economist at Oxford Economics. He described the latest job losses as a “secondary wave of the coronavirus recession.”
A new study offers a glimmer of hope in the fight against the coronavirus: Nearly everyone who has had the disease — regardless of age, sex or severity of illness — eventually makes antibodies.A new study offers a glimmer of hope in the fight against the coronavirus: Nearly everyone who has had the disease — regardless of age, sex or severity of illness — eventually makes antibodies.
Antibodies are immune molecules produced by the body to fight pathogens. Typically, these proteins confer protection against the invader.Antibodies are immune molecules produced by the body to fight pathogens. Typically, these proteins confer protection against the invader.
Several countries, including the United States, are hoping that antibody tests — flawed though many may be — can help decide who is immune to the virus and can return to work. People who are immune could replace vulnerable individuals, especially in high-transmission settings, building in the population what researchers call shield immunity.Several countries, including the United States, are hoping that antibody tests — flawed though many may be — can help decide who is immune to the virus and can return to work. People who are immune could replace vulnerable individuals, especially in high-transmission settings, building in the population what researchers call shield immunity.
The new study also eased a worry that only some people — those who were severely ill, for example — might make antibodies. In fact, the level of antibodies did not differ by age or sex, the researchers found, and even people who had only mild symptoms produced a healthy amount.The new study also eased a worry that only some people — those who were severely ill, for example — might make antibodies. In fact, the level of antibodies did not differ by age or sex, the researchers found, and even people who had only mild symptoms produced a healthy amount.
The new study relied on an antibody test developed by Florian Krammer, a virologist at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, that has a less than 1 percent chance of false positives.The new study relied on an antibody test developed by Florian Krammer, a virologist at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, that has a less than 1 percent chance of false positives.
The researchers tested 624 people who signed up to be potential donors for convalescent plasma, antibodies extracted from blood.The researchers tested 624 people who signed up to be potential donors for convalescent plasma, antibodies extracted from blood.
At first, tests showed that only 511 had strong antibody levels; 42 had low levels, and 71 had none. When 64 of those with weak or no levels came back more than a week later, however, all but three had at least some antibodies.At first, tests showed that only 511 had strong antibody levels; 42 had low levels, and 71 had none. When 64 of those with weak or no levels came back more than a week later, however, all but three had at least some antibodies.
That suggests that the timing of testing for antibodies can greatly affect the results, the researchers said.That suggests that the timing of testing for antibodies can greatly affect the results, the researchers said.
Experts said the next step would be to confirm that the presence of antibodies translates to protection from the virus.Experts said the next step would be to confirm that the presence of antibodies translates to protection from the virus.
“The question now becomes to what extent those are neutralizing antibodies, and whether that leads to protection from infection — all of which we should presume are yes,” said Sean Whelan, a virologist at Washington University in St. Louis.“The question now becomes to what extent those are neutralizing antibodies, and whether that leads to protection from infection — all of which we should presume are yes,” said Sean Whelan, a virologist at Washington University in St. Louis.
In previous work, Dr. Krammer’s team has found that in about a dozen people, including some who had mild symptoms, the level of antibodies matched the level of neutralizing activity.In previous work, Dr. Krammer’s team has found that in about a dozen people, including some who had mild symptoms, the level of antibodies matched the level of neutralizing activity.
So everyone who makes antibodies is likely to have some immunity to the virus, Dr. Krammer said. The answer to how long immunity lasts, however, will come only by following these patients over time.So everyone who makes antibodies is likely to have some immunity to the virus, Dr. Krammer said. The answer to how long immunity lasts, however, will come only by following these patients over time.
Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas on Thursday gave a Dallas salon owner who was jailed for reopening her business and violating lockdown orders the equivalent of a get-out-of-jail-free card, modifying his executive orders on the matter to remove confinement as a punishment.Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas on Thursday gave a Dallas salon owner who was jailed for reopening her business and violating lockdown orders the equivalent of a get-out-of-jail-free card, modifying his executive orders on the matter to remove confinement as a punishment.
The salon owner, Shelley Luther, defied state and local orders for nonessential businesses to remain closed during the pandemic when she reopened Salon À La Mode on April 24 and then tore up a cease-and-desist letter sent to her by Dallas County officials.The salon owner, Shelley Luther, defied state and local orders for nonessential businesses to remain closed during the pandemic when she reopened Salon À La Mode on April 24 and then tore up a cease-and-desist letter sent to her by Dallas County officials.
A judge sentenced Ms. Luther on Tuesday to a week in jail and a fine of at least $3,500, and she quickly became a symbol of conservative outrage over state lockdowns and stay-at-home orders. Armed protesters rallied outside the salon in recent days, and former Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska paid a visit to show her support.A judge sentenced Ms. Luther on Tuesday to a week in jail and a fine of at least $3,500, and she quickly became a symbol of conservative outrage over state lockdowns and stay-at-home orders. Armed protesters rallied outside the salon in recent days, and former Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska paid a visit to show her support.
Mr. Abbott, who met with the president at the White House on Thursday, said in a statement that he was eliminating confinement as a punishment for violating the executive orders, and that doing so retroactively would apply to Ms. Luther’s sentencing.Mr. Abbott, who met with the president at the White House on Thursday, said in a statement that he was eliminating confinement as a punishment for violating the executive orders, and that doing so retroactively would apply to Ms. Luther’s sentencing.
“Throwing Texans in jail who have had their businesses shut down through no fault of their own is nonsensical, and I will not allow it to happen,” the governor said in a statement. Soon after, the Texas Supreme Court ordered Ms. Luther’s release, and she was freed.“Throwing Texans in jail who have had their businesses shut down through no fault of their own is nonsensical, and I will not allow it to happen,” the governor said in a statement. Soon after, the Texas Supreme Court ordered Ms. Luther’s release, and she was freed.
The state’s Republican leaders have been battling on many fronts with the Democrats who run Dallas County. Ms. Luther was seen as a hero defying overzealous Democratic-leaning officials. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick went so far as to offer to submit to house arrest to help free her.The state’s Republican leaders have been battling on many fronts with the Democrats who run Dallas County. Ms. Luther was seen as a hero defying overzealous Democratic-leaning officials. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick went so far as to offer to submit to house arrest to help free her.
If the judge “wants to substitute me for her, and sentence me to seven days of house arrest so she can go back to work, that’s fine,” Mr. Patrick told reporters on Wednesday. “I’m fine to take her place in house arrest. I just don’t think she should be going to jail.”If the judge “wants to substitute me for her, and sentence me to seven days of house arrest so she can go back to work, that’s fine,” Mr. Patrick told reporters on Wednesday. “I’m fine to take her place in house arrest. I just don’t think she should be going to jail.”
The White House has invited eight World War II veterans — each older than 95 and part of the age group most at risk if they contract Covid-19 — to take part in a photo-op Friday morning at the White House and an event at the war memorial to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Victory Day, Michael D. Shear reports.The White House has invited eight World War II veterans — each older than 95 and part of the age group most at risk if they contract Covid-19 — to take part in a photo-op Friday morning at the White House and an event at the war memorial to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Victory Day, Michael D. Shear reports.
The event, which has not yet been publicized, includes an opportunity for the eight men to take pictures at the White House with the secretaries of defense and state, the first lady Melania Trump and the president, according to a schedule of events prepared by the Greatest Generations Foundation, which organized the event.The event, which has not yet been publicized, includes an opportunity for the eight men to take pictures at the White House with the secretaries of defense and state, the first lady Melania Trump and the president, according to a schedule of events prepared by the Greatest Generations Foundation, which organized the event.
The schedule says the men will be tested before they enter the White House grounds. The group is then expected to ride in the president’s motorcade to the memorial for a ceremony before departing Washington later on Friday.The schedule says the men will be tested before they enter the White House grounds. The group is then expected to ride in the president’s motorcade to the memorial for a ceremony before departing Washington later on Friday.
The event has raised questions about whether the celebration is putting the men in danger by asking them to potentially expose themselves to the virus at a time when the capital and much of the rest of the country remain under orders to restrict nonessential travel.The event has raised questions about whether the celebration is putting the men in danger by asking them to potentially expose themselves to the virus at a time when the capital and much of the rest of the country remain under orders to restrict nonessential travel.
“I think its very irresponsible to have the last remaining World War II veterans travel across the country to take a photograph during a global pandemic,” said Alex Melikian, the granddaughter of Sgt. Gregory Melikian, age 97, one of the eight men who will be meeting the president on Friday.“I think its very irresponsible to have the last remaining World War II veterans travel across the country to take a photograph during a global pandemic,” said Alex Melikian, the granddaughter of Sgt. Gregory Melikian, age 97, one of the eight men who will be meeting the president on Friday.
“People over the age of 80 have the highest chance of passing away from this. If he gets it, this could be the end,” she said of her grandfather, who was a radio operator who worked for General Dwight D. Eisenhower during the war. “I know it’s his choice to go, but it’s irresponsible to even have an event like this in the first place.”“People over the age of 80 have the highest chance of passing away from this. If he gets it, this could be the end,” she said of her grandfather, who was a radio operator who worked for General Dwight D. Eisenhower during the war. “I know it’s his choice to go, but it’s irresponsible to even have an event like this in the first place.”
The visit will come just a day after the White House confirmed that a military aide who works at the White House recently tested positive, raising questions about whether the president and others who were potentially exposed should be self-quarantined to ensure they do not spread the virus further. The White House said that the “president and the vice president have since tested negative for the virus and they remain in great health.”The visit will come just a day after the White House confirmed that a military aide who works at the White House recently tested positive, raising questions about whether the president and others who were potentially exposed should be self-quarantined to ensure they do not spread the virus further. The White House said that the “president and the vice president have since tested negative for the virus and they remain in great health.”
“I’ve had very little contact with this person,” Mr. Trump said on Thursday, adding that the White House would increase the frequency of its internal testing from once a week to once a day. Mr. Trump said he tested negative on Wednesday.“I’ve had very little contact with this person,” Mr. Trump said on Thursday, adding that the White House would increase the frequency of its internal testing from once a week to once a day. Mr. Trump said he tested negative on Wednesday.
White House officials said the foundation had expressed interest several weeks ago about participating in any celebration of the victory over German forces in Europe and approached the White House about being part of whatever Mr. Trump did to mark the occasion. The foundation chose the veterans who are taking part in the event, officials said, adding that the White House was taking precautions to keep the veterans, the president and others safe.White House officials said the foundation had expressed interest several weeks ago about participating in any celebration of the victory over German forces in Europe and approached the White House about being part of whatever Mr. Trump did to mark the occasion. The foundation chose the veterans who are taking part in the event, officials said, adding that the White House was taking precautions to keep the veterans, the president and others safe.
“Leave it to the media to question eight brave war heroes for joining the President of the United States at the Nation’s World War II Memorial on the 75th Anniversary of V-E Day,” said Judd Deere, a White House spokesman. “As young men, these heroes stared evil in the eyes and liberated nation — no pandemic will stop them from joining their commander in chief for this momentous occasion.”“Leave it to the media to question eight brave war heroes for joining the President of the United States at the Nation’s World War II Memorial on the 75th Anniversary of V-E Day,” said Judd Deere, a White House spokesman. “As young men, these heroes stared evil in the eyes and liberated nation — no pandemic will stop them from joining their commander in chief for this momentous occasion.”
Timothy Davis, the president of the foundation, said he sent a letter to the White House seeking to be part of the celebration after the group’s original trip, to Moscow, Russia, was canceled because of the pandemic. He said he was happy when he received the invitation to join the president. “We know we are going to be losing them quickly over the coming years,” he said of the remaining World War II veterans. “Those active veterans that still have a voice, that needs to be heard.”Timothy Davis, the president of the foundation, said he sent a letter to the White House seeking to be part of the celebration after the group’s original trip, to Moscow, Russia, was canceled because of the pandemic. He said he was happy when he received the invitation to join the president. “We know we are going to be losing them quickly over the coming years,” he said of the remaining World War II veterans. “Those active veterans that still have a voice, that needs to be heard.”
Mr. Davis said he respects the concerns of people like Ms. Melikian. But he said the veterans who are traveling to Washington were eager to do so in spite of the risks that the virus poses. “This is their wish. They know they don’t have much time left. Their voices, their stories need to be told,” Mr. Davis said. “They were adamant they wanted to do this.”Mr. Davis said he respects the concerns of people like Ms. Melikian. But he said the veterans who are traveling to Washington were eager to do so in spite of the risks that the virus poses. “This is their wish. They know they don’t have much time left. Their voices, their stories need to be told,” Mr. Davis said. “They were adamant they wanted to do this.”
Ms. Melikian said she is still concerned that her grandfather might not survive if he contracts the disease and is scared that he might bring it back to the family when he returns to Arizona. “When he comes back, he could pass it along to my grandma,” she said. “He’s 95. He shouldn’t be leaving his house. ”Ms. Melikian said she is still concerned that her grandfather might not survive if he contracts the disease and is scared that he might bring it back to the family when he returns to Arizona. “When he comes back, he could pass it along to my grandma,” she said. “He’s 95. He shouldn’t be leaving his house. ”
Sergeant Melikian is one of eight men taking part in the celebration. The others include: Tech Sgt. Steven Melinikoff, 100, of the Army’s 175th Infantry Regiment; Sgt. Guy Whidden, 97, of the 101st Airborne Division; Pvt. Harold Angle, 97, of the 112th Infantry Regiment; Frank Devita, 96, a Coast Guard coxswain; Sgt. Donald Halverson, 97, of the 168th Infantry Regiment; Pvt. John Coates, 96, a combat medic for the 82nd Airborne Division; and Staff Sgt. Wilbur J. Myers, 97, of the 62nd Tank Destroyer Battalion.Sergeant Melikian is one of eight men taking part in the celebration. The others include: Tech Sgt. Steven Melinikoff, 100, of the Army’s 175th Infantry Regiment; Sgt. Guy Whidden, 97, of the 101st Airborne Division; Pvt. Harold Angle, 97, of the 112th Infantry Regiment; Frank Devita, 96, a Coast Guard coxswain; Sgt. Donald Halverson, 97, of the 168th Infantry Regiment; Pvt. John Coates, 96, a combat medic for the 82nd Airborne Division; and Staff Sgt. Wilbur J. Myers, 97, of the 62nd Tank Destroyer Battalion.
When the pandemic struck, the majority of the nation’s nursing homes were losing money, some were falling into disrepair, and others were struggling to attract new occupants, leaving many of them ill equipped to protect workers and residents as the virus raged.When the pandemic struck, the majority of the nation’s nursing homes were losing money, some were falling into disrepair, and others were struggling to attract new occupants, leaving many of them ill equipped to protect workers and residents as the virus raged.
Their troubled state was years in the making. Decades of ownership by private equity and other private investment firms left many nursing homes with staggering bills and razor-thin margins, while competition from home care attendants and assisted-living facilities further gutted their business. Even so, many of their owners still found creative ways to wring profits out of them, according to an analysis of federal and state data by Matthew Goldstein, Jessica Silver-Greenberg and Robert Gebeloff of The New York Times.Their troubled state was years in the making. Decades of ownership by private equity and other private investment firms left many nursing homes with staggering bills and razor-thin margins, while competition from home care attendants and assisted-living facilities further gutted their business. Even so, many of their owners still found creative ways to wring profits out of them, according to an analysis of federal and state data by Matthew Goldstein, Jessica Silver-Greenberg and Robert Gebeloff of The New York Times.
In many cases, investors created new companies to hold the real estate assets because the buildings were more valuable than the businesses themselves, especially with fewer nursing homes being built. Sometimes, investors would buy a nursing home from an operator only to lease back the building and charge the operator hefty management and consulting fees. Investors also pushed nursing homes to buy ambulance transports, drugs, ventilators and other products or services at above-market rates from other companies they owned.In many cases, investors created new companies to hold the real estate assets because the buildings were more valuable than the businesses themselves, especially with fewer nursing homes being built. Sometimes, investors would buy a nursing home from an operator only to lease back the building and charge the operator hefty management and consulting fees. Investors also pushed nursing homes to buy ambulance transports, drugs, ventilators and other products or services at above-market rates from other companies they owned.
These strategies paid off handsomely for investors, but they forced nursing homes to skimp on quality. For instance, for-profit nursing homes — roughly 70 percent of the country’s 15,400 nursing homes and often owned by private investors — disproportionately lag behind their nonprofit counterparts across a broad array of measures for quality, The Times found. Also, they are cited for violations at a higher rate than nonprofit facilities.These strategies paid off handsomely for investors, but they forced nursing homes to skimp on quality. For instance, for-profit nursing homes — roughly 70 percent of the country’s 15,400 nursing homes and often owned by private investors — disproportionately lag behind their nonprofit counterparts across a broad array of measures for quality, The Times found. Also, they are cited for violations at a higher rate than nonprofit facilities.
The toll of putting profits first started to show when the outbreak began. No nursing home could be completely prepared for a pandemic as devastating as Covid-19, but some for-profit homes were particularly ill equipped and understaffed, which undercut their ability to contain the spread of the coronavirus, according to interviews with more than a dozen nursing home workers and elder-care lawyers.The toll of putting profits first started to show when the outbreak began. No nursing home could be completely prepared for a pandemic as devastating as Covid-19, but some for-profit homes were particularly ill equipped and understaffed, which undercut their ability to contain the spread of the coronavirus, according to interviews with more than a dozen nursing home workers and elder-care lawyers.
Nursing homes have been hit particularly hard by the outbreak. A tally by The Times found that more than 118,000 residents and staff members at nursing homes and other long-term care facilities have contracted the virus, and more than 19,600 have died.Nursing homes have been hit particularly hard by the outbreak. A tally by The Times found that more than 118,000 residents and staff members at nursing homes and other long-term care facilities have contracted the virus, and more than 19,600 have died.
Representative Kevin McCarthy of California, the minority leader, announced on Thursday that Republicans will participate in a special oversight committee created by Democrats to examine the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, even as he denounced it as an attempt to attack Mr. Trump. “While Democrats might use this to take another stab at impeachment 2.0,” Mr. McCarthy said, “Republicans will remain committed to truth and transparency.”
He named Representative Steve Scalise of Louisiana, the No. 2 Republican, to serve as the ranking member, alongside Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio, an ardent supporter of the president; Representative Mark Green of Tennessee, a doctor; Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer of Missouri, and Representative Jackie Walorski of Indiana.
Mr. Scalise indicated that he would use his perch on the panel to push Mr. Trump’s narrative about the pandemic, which blames China for its spread and claims that his administration response has been exemplary. In a statement, Mr. Scalise said that he planned to focus on “holding China accountable for hiding the truth about the virus from the world, helping ensure the success of the largest relief effort in American history, and providing clear and immediate guidance on how to safely reopen our economy.”
Mr. Trump has branded the panel, which will scrutinize the spending of trillions of dollars in federal money to respond to the pandemic, as a “witch hunt” against him. On Tuesday, he dismissed the Democrat-led House as “a bunch of Trump-haters” that was rooting for him to fail in his efforts to combat the virus, suggesting that he would only submit to oversight requests by the Republican-led Senate.
Mr. McCarthy also announced that he would appoint lawmakers to a Republican-led task force to probe China’s handling of the coronavirus. It is unclear if Democrats will participate, as Mr. McCarthy said a previous attempt to create a bipartisan version of the committee fell apart. The move comes as Republicans increasingly rely on a strategy focused on pinning blame for the pandemic on China in an effort to rebut criticism of how Mr. Trump has responded.
Mr. McCarthy said the panel would be led by longtime China hawks including Representative Michael McCaul of Texas, the top Republican on the Foreign Affairs Committee, and Representative Liz Cheney of Wyoming.
Confronted with the worst public health crisis in the United States in generations, Mr. Trump declared himself a wartime president. Now he has begun doing what past commanders have done when a war goes badly: Declare victory and go home.
The war, however, does not seem over. Outside New York, the pandemic in the United States is still growing, not receding. The latest death toll estimates have more than doubled from what Mr. Trump predicted just weeks ago. And polls show the public is not ready to restore normal life.
But Peter Baker, our chief White House correspondent, writes that Mr. Trump’s cure-can’t-be-worse-than-the-disease logic is clear: As bad as the virus may be, the cost of the virtual national lockdown has grown too high. With at least 30 million people out of work and businesses collapsing by the day, keeping the country at home seems unsustainable. With the virus still spreading and no vaccine available until next year at the earliest, though, the president has decided that for life to resume for many, some may have to die.
“Hopefully that won’t be the case,” Mr. Trump said on Wednesday when asked if deaths would rise as a result of reopening, but he added, “It could very well be the case.”
“But we have to get our country open again,” he continued. “People want to go back, and you’re going to have a problem if you don’t do it.”
The pandemic has plunged California into a fiscal hole of historic proportions, state finance officials said Thursday, projecting an 18 percent unemployment rate through next summer and a staggering $54.3 billion state budget deficit.The pandemic has plunged California into a fiscal hole of historic proportions, state finance officials said Thursday, projecting an 18 percent unemployment rate through next summer and a staggering $54.3 billion state budget deficit.
The analysis released by the California Department of Finance, which advises Gov. Gavin Newsom, reversed earlier projections of record reserves and a $5.6 billion surplus and came as the state reels from a collapsing economy, the nation’s fifth-highest virus death toll and the approach of a potentially devastating fire season. The analysis released by the state’s Department of Finance, which advises Gov. Gavin Newsom, reversed earlier projections of record reserves and a $5.6 billion surplus and came as the state reeled from a collapsing economy, the nation’s fifth-highest virus death toll and the approach of a potentially devastating fire season.
Unemployment, it said, will more than quadruple from the 3.9 percent rate California boasted at the start of the year, and tax revenues will be $41.2 billion less than originally forecast. Unemployment, the department said, would more than quadruple from the 3.9 percent rate California boasted at the start of the year, and tax revenues would be $41.2 billion less than originally forecast.
Expenses, meanwhile, are about to soar, the department said, with the pandemic alone expected to add some $13 billion in unplanned state spending for the state’s virus response and increased caseloads for welfare and Medi-Cal, the state’s version of Medicaid. Expenses are also about to soar, the department said, with the pandemic alone expected to add some $13 billion in unplanned spending for the state’s virus response and increased caseloads for welfare and Medi-Cal, the state’s version of Medicaid.
Mr. Newsom, who is revising his January budget proposal for the Legislature’s consideration, has already warned that his new priorities will be limited to homelessness, wildfire and the virus, the state’s three most immediate crises. Mr. Newsom, who is revising his January budget proposal for the Legislature’s consideration, has already said that his new priorities would be limited to homelessness, wildfire and the virus, the state’s three most immediate crises.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused enormous hardship for families, businesses and governments across the world, the United States, and California,” the forecast said. “It has endangered health, stressed the health care system, and caused devastating losses in family and business income.” “The Covid-19 pandemic has caused enormous hardship for families, businesses and governments across the world, the United States and California,” the forecast said. “It has endangered health, stressed the health care system, and caused devastating losses in family and business income.”
The update, analysts wrote, “underscores the necessity of further federal stimulus.”The update, analysts wrote, “underscores the necessity of further federal stimulus.”
In the early days of the pandemic, Mike DeWine, the mild-mannered Republican governor of Ohio, gained a national profile for moving quickly to shut down his state while other leaders hesitated. The rates of infection in Ohio have stayed lower than elsewhere in the Midwest.In the early days of the pandemic, Mike DeWine, the mild-mannered Republican governor of Ohio, gained a national profile for moving quickly to shut down his state while other leaders hesitated. The rates of infection in Ohio have stayed lower than elsewhere in the Midwest.
But now, Mr. DeWine is facing an open revolt from members of his own party.But now, Mr. DeWine is facing an open revolt from members of his own party.
Fellow Republicans have accused his administration of goosing virus statistics to scare Ohioans. One state senator attacked Mr. DeWine for “micromanaging” residents and having no faith in them. On Wednesday, Republican lawmakers in Ohio voted to limit the authority of the state’s health director, Dr. Amy Acton, who appears at Mr. DeWine’s side in his daily news briefings. Mr. DeWine said he would veto the bill.Fellow Republicans have accused his administration of goosing virus statistics to scare Ohioans. One state senator attacked Mr. DeWine for “micromanaging” residents and having no faith in them. On Wednesday, Republican lawmakers in Ohio voted to limit the authority of the state’s health director, Dr. Amy Acton, who appears at Mr. DeWine’s side in his daily news briefings. Mr. DeWine said he would veto the bill.
Mr. DeWine said on Thursday that barbershops, hair salons, day spas, nail salons and other services could reopen on May 15, when restaurants could begin serving diners outside. By May 21, he said, they could begin to offer dine-in service.Mr. DeWine said on Thursday that barbershops, hair salons, day spas, nail salons and other services could reopen on May 15, when restaurants could begin serving diners outside. By May 21, he said, they could begin to offer dine-in service.
The intra-party warfare in Ohio is part of a growing rebellion by Republican legislators across the country against their governors — both Democratic and Republican — arguing that stay-at-home orders and nonessential business closures are smothering the economy and violating rights.The intra-party warfare in Ohio is part of a growing rebellion by Republican legislators across the country against their governors — both Democratic and Republican — arguing that stay-at-home orders and nonessential business closures are smothering the economy and violating rights.
Republicans in Pennsylvania tried in late April to overturn the Democratic governor’s stay-at-home order; in Louisiana, Republicans voted to strip the governor of his administration’s ability to penalize businesses for violating such an order. In Wisconsin and Michigan, Republican lawmakers sued the governors outright.Republicans in Pennsylvania tried in late April to overturn the Democratic governor’s stay-at-home order; in Louisiana, Republicans voted to strip the governor of his administration’s ability to penalize businesses for violating such an order. In Wisconsin and Michigan, Republican lawmakers sued the governors outright.
In Massachusetts on Thursday, a federal judge ruled that gun stores can reopen, a rebuke to the state’s Republican governor, who had ordered them to close to slow the spread of the virus.
“I have enough information to say, in this very small corner of this emergency, we don’t surrender our constitutional rights,” the judge, Douglas P. Woodlock of United States District Court in Boston, said in court, according to The Boston Globe.
While the economic pain from the virus and its response grows more intense by the day — in Ohio alone, more than 1.1 million people have filed for unemployment over the past two months — surveys have shown broad support for stay-at-home policies and even concern about the prospect of opening up too quickly. Governors who have issued sweeping stay-at-home orders, including Mr. DeWine, have enjoyed soaring approval numbers.While the economic pain from the virus and its response grows more intense by the day — in Ohio alone, more than 1.1 million people have filed for unemployment over the past two months — surveys have shown broad support for stay-at-home policies and even concern about the prospect of opening up too quickly. Governors who have issued sweeping stay-at-home orders, including Mr. DeWine, have enjoyed soaring approval numbers.
The United Nations on Thursday more than tripled the size of its humanitarian aid appeal to help the most vulnerable countries threatened by the pandemic to $6.7 billion, from the $2 billion initially sought just six weeks ago.The United Nations on Thursday more than tripled the size of its humanitarian aid appeal to help the most vulnerable countries threatened by the pandemic to $6.7 billion, from the $2 billion initially sought just six weeks ago.
The enormous expansion of the appeal, announced by Mark Lowcock, the top humanitarian aid official at the United Nations, reflected what he described as an updated global plan that includes nine additional countries deemed especially vulnerable: Benin, Djibouti, Liberia, Mozambique, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sierra Leone, Togo and Zimbabwe.The enormous expansion of the appeal, announced by Mark Lowcock, the top humanitarian aid official at the United Nations, reflected what he described as an updated global plan that includes nine additional countries deemed especially vulnerable: Benin, Djibouti, Liberia, Mozambique, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sierra Leone, Togo and Zimbabwe.
While the peak of the pandemic in the poorest countries is not expected until somewhere between three and six months from now, “there is already evidence of incomes plummeting and jobs disappearing, food supplies failing and prices soaring, and children missing vaccinations and meals,” the United Nations said in a statement.While the peak of the pandemic in the poorest countries is not expected until somewhere between three and six months from now, “there is already evidence of incomes plummeting and jobs disappearing, food supplies failing and prices soaring, and children missing vaccinations and meals,” the United Nations said in a statement.
“Unless we take action now, we should be prepared for a significant rise in conflict, hunger and poverty,” Mr. Lowcock, who heads the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said. He added that “the specter of multiple famines” loomed if the help fell short.“Unless we take action now, we should be prepared for a significant rise in conflict, hunger and poverty,” Mr. Lowcock, who heads the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said. He added that “the specter of multiple famines” loomed if the help fell short.
Even as the 193-member organization announced the new target for humanitarian fund-raising, it was still facing challenges in fulfilling the earlier $2 billion goal set by the secretary general, António Guterres, on March 25. About $1 billion has been raised.Even as the 193-member organization announced the new target for humanitarian fund-raising, it was still facing challenges in fulfilling the earlier $2 billion goal set by the secretary general, António Guterres, on March 25. About $1 billion has been raised.
That money, the United Nations said, has gone to funding for hand-washing stations in vulnerable locations such as refugee camps, the distribution of gloves and masks, and the training of more than 1.7 million people, including health workers, on virus identification and protection measures.That money, the United Nations said, has gone to funding for hand-washing stations in vulnerable locations such as refugee camps, the distribution of gloves and masks, and the training of more than 1.7 million people, including health workers, on virus identification and protection measures.
Mr. Lowcock’s office projected recently that the long-term cost of protecting the most vulnerable 10 percent of people in the world from the worst impacts of the pandemic was approximately $90 billion. That amount is equivalent to about 1 percent of the current economic stimulus packages announced by the world’s most affluent countries.Mr. Lowcock’s office projected recently that the long-term cost of protecting the most vulnerable 10 percent of people in the world from the worst impacts of the pandemic was approximately $90 billion. That amount is equivalent to about 1 percent of the current economic stimulus packages announced by the world’s most affluent countries.
The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday barred more than 65 manufacturers in China from exporting N95-style face masks to the United States, citing poor quality.
In doing so, the F.D.A. slashed the number of Chinese companies approved to sell the masks in the U.S. to 14 from 80.
Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Thursday said that New York City might begin limiting entry to some parks to prevent overcrowding as the weather warms. N95 masks, which provide better protection against virus particles than cloth or surgical masks, are coveted by health care providers and emergency medical workers. On April 3, drastic shortages of the N95 masks led the F.D.A. to allow imports of similar masks from China.
In certain parks, “Just the configuration of the park lends itself to overcrowding,” he said. “We can’t let that happen and we have to limit the number of people going in.” These imported masks, known as KN95, were never tested by American regulators, but were required to be vetted by an accredited test laboratory showing that they met the standards of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those standards call for filtering 95 percent of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger, including the new virus.
The mayor that the effort would take some “experimentation.” He did not clarify which parks could be covered by the new rules, but said more details would be announced on Friday. As an additional safeguard, the C.D.C. and the F.D.A. initiated their own review to make sure the masks met these performance standards.
With playground across the city closed and gyms shuttered by restrictions on nonessential businesses, New Yorkers have flooded the city’s parks in search of safe places to exercise and enjoy the outdoors while maintaining social distance. On Thursday, the F.D.A. said that too many of the Chinese imports failed to filter out a sufficient percentage of particles. Test results showed that numerous companies that were authorized to sell the masks in the U.S. flunked, with one product removing as little as 24 to 35 percent. The health agencies also tested some KN95 masks that did not have agency approval. One of these, the F.D.A. said, blocked roughly 1 percent of the particles.
The mayor also said that New York City will offer 140,000 free antibody tests to New Yorkers who want to know if they have been exposed. The initiative follows the city’s offer last week of 140,000 antibody tests to health care workers and other front-line responders. New York City’s mayor said on Thursday that the city might begin limiting entry to some parks to prevent overcrowding as the weather warms, though he did not clarify which parks.
The new round of testing will be offered at testing sites in some of the neighborhoods hit hardest by the virus. A hotline phone number for making appointments will be released on Friday, the mayor said. Preference will be given to people in the affected neighborhoods. In certain parks, “just the configuration of the park lends itself to overcrowding,” he said, adding that there would be more details Friday. “We can’t let that happen, and we have to limit the number of people going in.”
Also on Thursday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said on that antibody tests of 27,000 workers at 25 hospitals and other facilities found that 12 percent of the health care workers based in New York City had the antibodies. Tests of customers at city supermarkets found much higher rates — nearly 20 percent, he said. The governor attributed the counterintuitive findings to the fact that health care workers followed protocols on using masks, gloves and sanitizer more closely than regular citizens did. With playgrounds across the city closed and gyms shuttered by restrictions on nonessential businesses, New Yorkers have flooded the city’s parks in search of safe places to exercise and enjoy the outdoors while maintaining social distance.
He also said that he would extend the moratorium on evictions over unpaid rent another 60 days, until August 20, and that the state would ban the issuing of any late fees for rent that went unpaid during the crisis. He added that security deposits could be used to pay rent fees. The mayor also said that New York City would offer 140,000 free antibody tests to New Yorkers who want to know if they have been exposed. The initiative follows the city’s offer last week of 140,000 antibody tests to health care workers and other front-line responders.
Mr. Cuomo said that 231 more people had died in the state. That number has been all but flat for four consecutive days. The new round of testing will be offered at testing sites in some of the neighborhoods hit hardest by the virus. Preference will be given to people in those neighborhoods.
Also on Thursday, New York’s governor said antibody tests of 27,000 workers at 25 hospitals and other facilities found that 12 percent of the health care workers in New York City had the antibodies. Tests of customers at city supermarkets found much higher rates — nearly 20 percent, he said. The governor attributed the counterintuitive findings to the fact that health care workers followed protocols on using masks, gloves and sanitizer more closely than regular citizens.
He also said that he would extend the moratorium on evictions over unpaid rent until August 20, and that the state would ban the issuing of any late fees for rent that went unpaid during the crisis. He added that security deposits could be used to pay rent fees.
Another 231 more people had died in the state, he said, a number that’s been all but flat for four consecutive days.
During quarantine, flower pressing, natural dyeing and other traditional activities have made a comeback. Here are some “new” old-timey projects to try:During quarantine, flower pressing, natural dyeing and other traditional activities have made a comeback. Here are some “new” old-timey projects to try:
In India, a gas leak that poisoned hundreds may have resulted from the rush to reopen a chemical plant after weeks of lockdown.In India, a gas leak that poisoned hundreds may have resulted from the rush to reopen a chemical plant after weeks of lockdown.
Reporting was contributed by Emily Badger, Peter Baker, Alan Blinder, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Benedict Carey, Ben Casselman, Patricia Cohen, Keith Collins, Michael Cooper, Karen Crouse, Michael Crowley, Nicholas Fandos, Manny Fernandez, Matthew Futterman, Rick Gladstone, James Glanz, Abby Goodnough, Maggie Haberman, Tiffany Hsu, Shawn Hubler, Miriam Jordan, Lauren Leatherby, Apoorva Mandavilli, David Montgomery, Andy Newman, Richard A. Oppel Jr., Tariq Panja, Alicia Parlapiano, Campbell Robertson, Marc Santora, Michael D. Shear, Jennifer Steinhauer, Eileen Sullivan, Pete Wells and Carl Zimmer. Reporting was contributed by Emily Badger, Peter Baker, Alan Blinder, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Benedict Carey, Ben Casselman, Patricia Cohen, Keith Collins, Michael Cooper, Karen Crouse, Michael Crowley, Nicholas Fandos, Manny Fernandez, Matthew Futterman, Rick Gladstone, James Glanz, Abby Goodnough, Maggie Haberman, Tiffany Hsu, Shawn Hubler, Miriam Jordan, Shelia Kaplan, Lauren Leatherby, Michael Levenson, Apoorva Mandavilli, David Montgomery, Andy Newman, Richard A. Oppel Jr., Tariq Panja, Alicia Parlapiano, Campbell Robertson, Marc Santora, Michael D. Shear, Jennifer Steinhauer, Eileen Sullivan, Pete Wells and Carl Zimmer.